The right crochet hook size could make the difference between a flowing fabric and a stiff, holey, or generally off one. The good news is that you really don’t have to memorise every number; the only thing you should know is a simple way to link the right hook with the right yarn to get the result you need!
Begin with the yarn label (it is your fastest indication)
Many yarn bands offer a range of hook sizes. That is the perfect place to start because it reflects how the yarn was intended to be used. For Crochet Kits, contact https://www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/crochet-kits
As a rough guide:
Lace/1-ply/very fine: 1.5 – 3.5mm
4-ply/fingering: 2.54mm
DK (double knitting): 3.5mm
Aran/worsted: 4.5 – 5mm
Chunky: 6 – 9mm
Super chunky: 9 – 12mm+
For those of you in the UK, wool is often labelled by weight (DK, Aran, Chunky) rather than numbers as shown above, so these are just shorthand.
Realise what hook size does (and doesn’t)
Two of the major issues in hook size are:
Hook size (bigger hook = larger stitches, smaller hook = tighter fabric).
Choosing the right hook depends on what you’re creating.
Consider the project as well as just yarn.
How to do that:
Toys/amigurumi: Use a smaller hook size than that recommended on the yarn band
Lacy shawls/airy scarves require open stitches, so a bigger hook size.
Pouches and bags: smaller in size for form (or use durable yarn).
Knit the gauge that a pattern states. If the fabric is stiff and difficult to get into, try another hook in a size larger.
For loose and uneven stitches: use a smaller hook size.
For your ripples on the edge, it might be either hook size or tension, so test each separately.
A note on comfort
A slightly bigger hook can also take some of the strain off your hands when you feel that fatigue creeping in; after all, if it is a tad looser woven, then it doesn’t need to force both round and yarn into tight loops. Some other hooks are designed to be more ergonomic, which is a great help for longer sessions.
Quick takeaway
Start from the yarn label as your reference and then go bigger for a looser, drapey feel, or smaller in case you need it tighter. If you are ever unsure, a 5-minute swatch can save hours of unpicking later on.
